momofthegoons
vapor accessory addict
We're into groups now when your wood is buffed? 
Lovely pieces Rick. It's great to see how much of the character is brought out in those final stages.
I've just finished reading the entire thread after about 2 months of slowly working my way through. It was a bloody good read on the whole with drama (in the early brassy dayz), Porn&Love (of the Zap kind) and evolution&innovation (of the product). Thanks to all of those that have contributed - mom, deez, ob to name a few.
You have a great product Rick and a great working ethic/ethos and I'm chuffed to have a couple of your pieces. I wish you and Zaplady many more happy zappy years making them and look forward to enjoy some myself with my 2 zaps
I've just finished reading the entire thread after about 2 months of slowly working my way through. It was a bloody good read on the whole with drama (in the early brassy dayz), Porn&Love (of the Zap kind) and evolution&innovation (of the product). Thanks to all of those that have contributed - mom, deez, ob to name a few.
You have a great product Rick and a great working ethic/ethos and I'm chuffed to have a couple of your pieces. I wish you and Zaplady many more happy zappy years making them and look forward to enjoy some myself with my 2 zaps
momofthegoons
vapor accessory addict
J.R.R., not many people take the time to read this whole thread, and I would agree that it is a real good romp through Zap history and one that more should take. So much has happened over the last couple years in Zapville! Drama aside, there have been great changes and products that have come to us in that time. I've been proud to be able to be a part of it. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm a branded Zapolina through and through.
cycleb
Well-Known Member
Wow Smokestack, that sucks. Double check to see that everything is right, even try another outlet. Good luck.
Meanwhile, I've begun testing and am well impressed. I think the PD is about to be retired, though the tite kit made it feel great. Maybe it should travel to my sister's house.
Rick, your artwork is soooo functional!!
@smokestak. Hmm, you should be able to feel heat after 5 mins and 1 hour should be operating at full temp and unable to touch the heat port. I'm really sorry but it sounds like you have a fault. Do you have any other power supply rated 12v 1a with the 2.1mm plug that you can try? It would be great to rule out a faulty power supply as your problem.
Elluzion
Vapeosaurus Rex
Wow, those are some crazy clouds. I feel like i've been using my plain jane wrong. I am able to take long hits (1:38secs) was the longest, and it doesn't fog up for me like that after the first hit.. i'm a bit jealous.
I only am getting visible exhale after the first hit, maybe a tiny bit exhale on the second hit, then that is it :/
@Elluzion. Sounds like you need some practice to perfect your technique. Even from my relatively low temp CRZ I can get several healthy pulls off a stem. If your technique is not working it's time to practice some more till you get it down.
Adjust the usual: Herb dryness, grind, loading technique, draw technique. There are quite a few variables that will affect the vapor so practice till you've found the one that works for you.
Adjust the usual: Herb dryness, grind, loading technique, draw technique. There are quite a few variables that will affect the vapor so practice till you've found the one that works for you.
Don't give up hope quite yet. Many people that have problems with their Zaps find out that the power supply is the culprit and that is easy to replace. Do you have an alternative power supply to try? If not you can go down to your local Radioshack (I think that's what you have in the States) in the morning and grab another.
Elluzion
Vapeosaurus Rex
Thanks for the tips! I have practiced a lot with draw technique and packing lately. I have been doing slow constant deep lung pulls for the draw and packing pretty light with a slight tamp down on the top. I may have to experiment a bit with the herb dryness though.
I also feel like the VV transformer rick was talking about earlier may change things up too. & I have also experienced different heat coming from my zap at different times, sometimes its just warm, sometimes it feels hot, very interesting...
The variable output has been discussed before. Most of us are connected to a grid that is effected by the amount of power being sucked at any point in the day. The less users = more power output. A lot of people find that the output is less in the day (peak periods) and noticeably hotter in the small hours.
Also, as has been discussed, not all Zaps run at the same temp - especially if the resistor isn't hitting around the 20 ohm mark. The wood type and shape will affect the performance. Have you tried using a coozy/sock to squeeze out a bit more temp. Try it with a couple of socks - it might just give you the edge you need to get the vapor you want.
And herb dryness is a MUST! Let it sit out overnight uncovered and see if you get better results tomorrow.
Happy experimenting
Also, as has been discussed, not all Zaps run at the same temp - especially if the resistor isn't hitting around the 20 ohm mark. The wood type and shape will affect the performance. Have you tried using a coozy/sock to squeeze out a bit more temp. Try it with a couple of socks - it might just give you the edge you need to get the vapor you want.
And herb dryness is a MUST! Let it sit out overnight uncovered and see if you get better results tomorrow.
Happy experimenting
Rick
Zapman
Looks like we fucked of somehow with your order SmokeStak. My best guess is a bad transformer as we do not check them. We take them out of the big box and put them in the Zap boxes. The Zap was heated overnight and tested. Or, the Zap could have a bad solder joint. Those are my guesses. Do you have access to a volt/ohm meter? We can figure out if the Zap has a problem that way. Or, car adapter or another transformer will do the job.
Bottom line is we will get you fixed. This is a NO heat problem, not a low heat problem so it should be a simple fix. Email me at zapman@aromazap.com for the best results on a quick fix. I'll send you out another transformer if we can confirm that is the problem. You can get a cheap volt/ohm meter at a big box store for under $10 I think, or close to it. That will tell us about the Zap and the transformer.
Dry, yes, very dry. NYCs point about grinding better is a big yes. I can only get a decent grind with dry.
Only fill stem a little to start, almost no pack.
Gotta go get some stuff done.
A few more up tonight.
Bottom line is we will get you fixed. This is a NO heat problem, not a low heat problem so it should be a simple fix. Email me at zapman@aromazap.com for the best results on a quick fix. I'll send you out another transformer if we can confirm that is the problem. You can get a cheap volt/ohm meter at a big box store for under $10 I think, or close to it. That will tell us about the Zap and the transformer.
Dry, yes, very dry. NYCs point about grinding better is a big yes. I can only get a decent grind with dry.
Only fill stem a little to start, almost no pack.
Gotta go get some stuff done.
A few more up tonight.
SmokeStak
Member
ok went to local radio shack bought a new adapter 12VDC 1a w/2.1mm plug which by the way i shouldnt even have to do. After 15 mins still cold port i guess i will be returning the adapter. Hopefully i wont have to return this zap but i fear thats where this is headed. i really want to like this product but i am very disappointed atm
Rick
Zapman
SmokeStak
You are right, you should not have to buy another transformer. Not sure why you did so without talking to me first.
Still cold port after 15 minutes? Cold to the touch? Or not hot enough to make vapor?
Sorry you are disappointed but shit does happen on occasion. We will fix it if you will let us. Maybe it would be better to refund your $ and have you return it?
I can make a mistake but I would like a bit of a chance to fix it before CRZ gets knocked. Seems fair to me.
BTW, it does appear there is a problem with the Zap. Radio Shack would even do the test for free, I am sure.
You are right, you should not have to buy another transformer. Not sure why you did so without talking to me first.
Still cold port after 15 minutes? Cold to the touch? Or not hot enough to make vapor?
Sorry you are disappointed but shit does happen on occasion. We will fix it if you will let us. Maybe it would be better to refund your $ and have you return it?
I can make a mistake but I would like a bit of a chance to fix it before CRZ gets knocked. Seems fair to me.
BTW, it does appear there is a problem with the Zap. Radio Shack would even do the test for free, I am sure.
SmokeStak
Member
I am not bashing your product Rick as a matter a fact i think it is a great piece. i just want the thing to work thats why i went to radioshack. i didnt even think to take the whole unit with me. well i guess i will send back i would even be willing to exchange if that is possible.
momofthegoons
vapor accessory addict
SmokeStak, I think you will find Rick will do whatever it takes to make you happy.... if you give him a chance to. Take his advice and send him an email so that he can help you directly.
Edit to add: Ah... cool. glad to hear you two connected.
Edit to add: Ah... cool. glad to hear you two connected.
Magic9
Plant Enthusiast
Cycleb, didn't know you were joining the Zap train. Welcome.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, dry and finely ground. Dryer than you would want for smoking. As far as the grind, I think my small 2pc SC does the job perfectly (can't grind too fine with it), but I grind finer than most. Took a couple of weeks to perfect it all (dry,grind,load,and technique), but it was quite fun experimenting. Now that I've got the basics locked in, I've moved on to advanced techniques. I've been using Moms "marshmallow roast" tip, and doing the impossible by getting even more out of a stem.
This is what works for me. Experiment.
Vito (and any other stem masters), is there any discernible difference in the way the two different glass stems hit?
SmokeStak, welcome also. Ricks customer service is top notch and he'll get you squared away. You'll be wondering how you ever lived without one very soon.
EDIT* SmokeStak, yes, it should feel slightly warm in 5-10 mins.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, dry and finely ground. Dryer than you would want for smoking. As far as the grind, I think my small 2pc SC does the job perfectly (can't grind too fine with it), but I grind finer than most. Took a couple of weeks to perfect it all (dry,grind,load,and technique), but it was quite fun experimenting. Now that I've got the basics locked in, I've moved on to advanced techniques. I've been using Moms "marshmallow roast" tip, and doing the impossible by getting even more out of a stem.
This is what works for me. Experiment.
Vito (and any other stem masters), is there any discernible difference in the way the two different glass stems hit?
SmokeStak, welcome also. Ricks customer service is top notch and he'll get you squared away. You'll be wondering how you ever lived without one very soon.
EDIT* SmokeStak, yes, it should feel slightly warm in 5-10 mins.
i am going to check voltage tomorrow just in case when i get a voltmeter from my buddy as Rick suggested. i feel like an idiot i am glad it was on my end so now i can enjoi this piece on 420 which is all i ever wanted thanks
Rick
Zapman
SmokeStak, you aint no idiot. You just got anxious as I did.
See, you have not yet got the word yet. When Rick fucks up, he like to make it better, not just right. One reason we are still around is I believe in customer service as it *should* be. If we goof up, we now have an opportunity to do better, to make a customer MORE happy. It just seemed like I lost you before we got started and I was a bit silly for sure.
Keep us posted.
Same with you Elluzion. Keep us posted.
I did order two more VV trans today besides the one ordered earlier this week that should be here any day. These new ones will ship from China. I am trying to find that 'something else' to take our Zaps to the optimum temp no matter the grid output, no matter the wood, no matter the time of day. Something simple but effective. No guarantees of anything except we are trying. I did the direct from China thing in an effort to keep the cost down for everybody.
See, you have not yet got the word yet. When Rick fucks up, he like to make it better, not just right. One reason we are still around is I believe in customer service as it *should* be. If we goof up, we now have an opportunity to do better, to make a customer MORE happy. It just seemed like I lost you before we got started and I was a bit silly for sure.
Keep us posted.
Same with you Elluzion. Keep us posted.
I did order two more VV trans today besides the one ordered earlier this week that should be here any day. These new ones will ship from China. I am trying to find that 'something else' to take our Zaps to the optimum temp no matter the grid output, no matter the wood, no matter the time of day. Something simple but effective. No guarantees of anything except we are trying. I did the direct from China thing in an effort to keep the cost down for everybody.